Cantenna
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A cantenna (a portmanteau blending the words can and antenna) is a homemade directional waveguide antenna, made out of an open-ended metal can.
Cantennas are typically used to increase the range of (or discover) Wi-Fi networks.
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Construction [edit]
The cylinder portion of the can may consist of metal-coated paperboard.
Although some designs are based on a Pringles potato chips can, in reality this tube is too narrow to be practical.[1] However, a cantenna can be made from various cans or tubes of an appropriate diameter.[2] Some designs include a pole mount to elevate the cantenna.[3]
At 2.4 GHz, losses can occur if the cable from the cantenna to the Wi-Fi circuitry is too long. A more efficient cantenna can be made by minimising this length or connecting the cantenna directly to the Wi-Fi circuitry.[4] The typical gain for this kind of antenna in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band is about 10 dB.
Use [edit]
Cantennas are typically used for extending a wireless local area network (WLAN).
The tiny design makes them ideal for mobile applications such as wardriving.
Cantennas can be used to increase cell phone range,[5] improve reception, and decrease noise.
A cantenna can be used as a satellite dish feed horn. The 5.5 GHz cantenna dimensions are almost perfect in that they make a perfect fit for the standard TV satellite dish. The resulting setup is a low-cost high-quality high-gain antenna.[6] Such setups are widely used in wireless community networks for long-distance Wi-Fi links.
Cantennas may be used with other RF devices such as wireless security cameras.[7]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ "PC FAQ's: Build a 'Cantenna' Aerial". Archived from the original on 2008-04-11.
- ^ Wlan antenna Waveguide type (includes table of suitable dimensions for cantenna)
- ^ Cantenna build on a pole (includes construction plans)
- ^ Amateurlogic Episode 3 (Construction details for a more efficient cantenna)
- ^ MAKE: Blog: Cell phone - Cantenna diagram and parts list
- ^ 5.5 GHz cantenna as a satellite dish feed
- ^ Cantenna.com User Guide
External links [edit]
- Amateurlogic Episode 3 (Construction details for a more efficient cantenna)
- Waveguide Can-tenna
- Extend your wireless network by building a Wi-Fi cantenna
- Youtube video on How To Build A low loss Cantenna
- How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna
- Antenna in a Pringles can
- Do-It-Yourself Wireless Antenna Update
- Cantenna Calculator
- Extending Your Wireless Range with a Cantenna
- How to build Cantenna (Video)
